Savage Lands Received One Million Euros from Hellfest for Ongoing Conservation Efforts
Who says metal can’t do good for the world? Last week during Hellfest, activist band Savage Lands received a major donation from the festival’s organizers. And by a “major donation,” it’s really €1,000,000 to help nature conservation and restoration efforts in Costa Rica and Europe.
Musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel, who founded Savage Lands with Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren, said the contribution was a huge step forward in the non-profit organization’s efforts.
“This is a historical move by Hellfest and a great signal to the music industry. Such an extraordinarily generous donation from a renowned festival is just another example of the many ways that the metal community supports each other.”
According to the band, Hellfest’s donation was just a facet of a five-year partnership. That partnership will include the band hosting a booth on Hellfest festival grounds to teach attendees about “the green zones, nature sanctuaries and other biodiversity preservation projects that they are building in Costa Rica.” More than 90 percent of a 60,000 square foot piece of rainforest located along the Costa Rican coastline was purchased by the band that’s also formed as a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. The easement they bought was slated to be destroyed.
Demercastel said the band/non-profit’s ultimate goal is attainable, but can only really be done with the generosity of fellow metalheads and environmentally conscious individuals.
“As a non-profit, we depend on the support of our listeners, other organizations and fellow artists… By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must act quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save.”
Savage Lands consists of Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeueren, Black Bomb A vocalist Poun, Black Bomb A bassist Etienne Treton, and guitarist/activist Sylvain Demercastel. The nonprofit organization plans to release songs, raise funds off those songs, and solicit donations in order to give back to nature.
If you’d like to make a donation to Savage Lands’ cause, be sure to hit up their donation page or simply listen to their music on whatever digital streaming platform you use.
